Living allowance and supplementary child allowance

Father, mother and two children hugging each other with joy in their home

For many families and households on low incomes, state benefits such as living allowance and supplementary child allowance are an indispensable form of support. They help to reduce the financial burden of housing costs and secure the livelihood of children. Especially in times of rising living costs, these allowances play a crucial role. The 2025 living allowance reform and the planned introduction of basic child support from 2025 will make these benefits even more accessible and comprehensive. In this article, you will find out how living allowance and supplementary child allowance work, what changes are coming and how you can make the most of your entitlements.

Calculate living allowance

How many members does your household have in total (including yourself)?

Info on household size

This includes besides yourself:

• Spouses, partners, or parents (including step-, foster-, or in-laws)
• Children (including foster and adopted children). If you care for a child at least 1/3 of the time, they count as a household member for you.
• Partners with whom you have lived together for at least 1 year or with a common child, or you share income/assets jointly
• Persons with whom you care for/nurse relatives

For deceased household members, the deceased person is not excluded for 12 months after the month of death, unless the dwelling was subsequently vacated, the number of household members subsequently returned to the original level, or the person would have been excluded from housing benefit due to receiving other social benefits.

How many are excluded from housing benefit because they already receive other benefits?

Info on excluded persons

This includes:

• Citizen's benefit (Bürgergeld) or benefits for trainees according to SGB II
• Basic security in old age or in case of reduced earning capacity
• Subsistence assistance (SGB XII)
• Transitional or injury allowance
• Benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
• Child and youth welfare services (SGB VIII)

What are living allowance and supplementary child allowance?

Living allowance and supplementary child allowance are two important state benefits that offer financial support to low-income households. While the living allowance is a subsidy towards housing costs, the supplementary child allowance is intended to help families who are able to provide for themselves on their income, but not sufficiently for their children. The supplementary child allowance can amount to up to 292 euros per child, providing families with valuable financial support. Both benefits can be applied for at the same time under certain conditions.

Supplementary child allowance and living allowance: how the combination works

In order for you to receive both living allowance and supplementary child allowance, the applications must be submitted in parallel. The living allowance office and the family benefits office will automatically coordinate with each other, as the approval of the supplementary child allowance depends on the decision regarding the living allowance. It is important that you submit all the necessary documents and answer any queries promptly.

FAQs on supplementary child allowance

Who is entitled to the supplementary child allowance?

Entitlement exists if:

Your child is under 25 years old, unmarried and lives with you.
You receive child support.
Your own income reaches the minimum limit of 600 euros.
Your total income is sufficient to support your family, but remains below certain limits.

How is the supplementary child allowance calculated?

The calculation takes into account the income of the parents and children as well as housing costs. Income allowances are deducted and the supplement is reduced as income increases.

How long does it take to process the application?

The processing time for the supplementary child allowance is usually six to eight weeks. Delays can occur if documents are missing or there are queries. Therefore, submit all documents in full to speed up the process.

The process and processing time for the supplementary child allowance

The application for supplementary child allowance is made via the Family Benefits Office. Once the application has been submitted, the family benefits office checks all the information and requests further evidence if necessary. Processing usually takes six to eight weeks. To speed things up, all necessary documents such as proof of income and rent certificates should be enclosed from the outset.

Applying for living allowance

Applications for living allowance are made via the relevant living allowance authority, which is usually located at the local town hall or district office, depending on where you live.

Where can I get the application forms?

You can either request the necessary application forms directly from the living allowance authority or conveniently download them online from the official websites of your city or municipality. Many local authorities now offer digital platforms that allow you to complete and submit the application directly online.

What documents are required?

The following documents should be kept ready for the application:

Proof of income of all household members (e.g. payslips or certificate of earnings, pension statements, maintenance payments)
Proof of housing costs, such as the rental agreement and utility bills
Proof of other income or assets
Copies of identity cards or residence certificates of all household members

How long does the processing take?

The processing time for a living benefit application varies depending on how busy the authority is, but is usually between 4 and 8 weeks. Processing can be accelerated if all the necessary documents are submitted in full. It is therefore advisable to compile the documents carefully and submit them in good time.

If you have financial difficulties in the meantime, you can ask your living benefit authority about the possibility of an advance decision or an advance payment.

Requirements for receiving living benefit

In order to receive living allowance, certain requirements must be met. These include

Housing costs: The amount of eligible housing costs depends on the size of the household, the rent level and the region. Higher rent levels apply in urban centres with high rents.
Income limits: The household's income may not exceed certain maximum amounts. These limits vary depending on the number of household members.
Exclusion criteria: People who receive certain transfer benefits such as unemployment benefit II, social assistance or basic old-age benefits are excluded from living allowances, as these benefits already include housing costs.

LeistungsLotse living allowance calculator: quickly determine entitlements

With the LeistungsLotse living allowance calculator, you can find out in just a few minutes whether and how much living allowance you are entitled to. The calculator takes into account your household size, housing costs and income and provides an initial guide. Use this tool to better assess your financial situation and submit an application directly if necessary.

Living allowance reform 2025: More relief for households

The living allowance reform 2025 has significantly expanded the group of people entitled to living allowance. Higher income limits and an increase in eligible housing costs mean that more people can now benefit from the allowance. In addition, flat-rate heating allowances have been introduced to cushion rising energy costs. The aim of the reform is to provide better support for low-income tenants and reduce their financial burden.

Climate component of the living allowance reform

A central element of the living allowance reform is the introduction of the climate component. This is intended to provide targeted relief for tenants living in buildings with high heating costs. Energy-efficient refurbishments and energy-efficient new builds are also subsidised in order to reduce CO₂ emissions in the building sector. By taking heating costs and additional allowances for climate-friendly modernisation into account, the living allowance is intended not only to cover housing costs, but also to create an incentive for environmentally friendly investments.

Effects on the number of living allowance recipients

The reform raised the income limits for receiving living allowance. This means that middle-income households can now also benefit from the support. The number of living allowance recipients has increased significantly as a result of this measure, which will provide relief to a broader section of the population. The aim of the adjustment is to support households, particularly in cities with high rental costs, and to strengthen social security.

Conclusion

Living allowance and supplementary child allowance offer important support for families on low incomes. The ability to combine both benefits can significantly improve your financial situation. Use tools such as the LeistungsLotse living allowance calculator to quickly check your entitlement and benefit from the advantages of the living allowance reform.

Still need to apply for living allowance? With our living allowance calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much living allowance you are entitled to. Check now!